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Cessation arrangements for turf cutting on raised bog Special Areas of Conservation welcomed by IPCC

For release 4th February 1999

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council gave a cautious welcome to Minister de Valera's recent plan to cease turf cutting on the 35 raised bogs which have been proposed so far as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC's) under the EU Habitats Directive (see Editors Note 1). IPCC have been lobbying for this type of commitment to bogland conservation since 1997.

"The purchase deals valued at £1,300 per acre for turbary rights, outlined by the Minister to compensate private turf cutters and the special front loading once-off payment available this year of £1,000 seems a fair deal" says Dr Peter Foss, Chairman of IPCC.

IPCC are concerned, however, that the Minister will take 10 years to phase out turf cutting on the 35 raised bog SAC's. This means that damage may continue to occur on these fragile habitats over a significant time period.

IPCC would prefer a phasing out of turf cutting over a much shorter period, and are anxious that as many turf cutters as possible take up the Minister's offer this year and avail of the special £1,000 incentive.

"Raised bogs have been among the most severely depleted habitats across Europe from a variety of developments including drainage and turf extraction. 50% of the remaining European raised bog resource occurs here. This places a special obligation on Ireland to protect these habitats." says Dr Foss.

Raised bogs are valuable wildlife areas and support unique plants and animals, they are also an integral part of Ireland's heritage, and a representative sample should be safeguarded.

IPCC are hopeful that through this scheme the Minister and her department will realise their goal - and that the wild bogs will be there for future generations to enjoy.

To see the full text of Minister de Valera's press statement click here

Editors Note 1: 35 Raised bogs SAC's proposed by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands March 1997

Name; County; Grid Reference; Area (ha)

All Saints/Newtown; Oy; N 010 110; 300
Ballyduff; Tn; N 010 030; 120
Ballykenny; Ld; N 085 790; 185
Ballynafagh / Blackwood; Ke; N 810 280; 127
Barroughter; G; M 790 030; 136
Bellanagare; Rn; M 720 870; 1100
Carrowbehy / Caher; Rn; M 560 840; 276
Carrownagappal; G; M 670 500; 355
Clara Bog; Oy; N 250 300; 665
Clonfinane; Tn; M 990 030; 187
Cloonchambers; Rn; M 630 800; 207
Cloonfelliv bog; G/Rn; M 653 740; 55
Cloonmoylan; G; M 780 000; 530
Cloonshanville; Rn; M 750 910; 123
Corliskea; G/Rn; M 670 740; 300
Derrinea; Rn; M 545 885; 53
Derrynabrock; Mo/Rn; G 560 030; 97
Ferbane / Ballyvoura; Oy; N 110 250; 160
Firville; Tn; M 950 010; 240
Fisherstown; Ld; N 075 772; 114
Flughany; Mo; G 610 065; 91
Garriskil; Wh; N 360 675; 310
Kilcarren; Tn; M 930 020; 200
Kilconny / Cloghbally; Cn; N 680 832; 174
Killsallagh; G; M 675 673; 230
Lisnageeragh; G; M 660 638; 285
Lough Lurgeen; G; M 660 590; 1100
Mongan; Oy; N 030 306; 136
Moyclare; Oy ; N 080 240; 90
Raheenmore; Oy ; N 440 320; 190
Shankill West; G ; M 630 520; 80
Sharavogue; Oy; S040 980; 180
Sheheree /Ardagh Bog; Ky; V 983 884; 8
Tawnaghbeg ; Mo; G 585 040; 82
Trien Bog; Rn; M 655 760; 185

Total Area 8,671

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